Lithuania

The situation of adult education in Lithuania has stayed the same over the last year and there have been no new policies or innovations in adult education. The funding situation of the Lithuanian Association of Adult Education (LAAE) did not change.

There have been some new policies on the implementation of Upskilling Pathways and furthering the Sustainable Development Goals in Lithuania. In Lithuania civil society is rarely consulted in policy making. This indicates low visibility and outreach efforts by the government. Regarding the consultation of the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR), the organization is not aware of a consultation. Nevertheless, the Lithuanian Association for Adult Education believes that the EPSR can play an important role in promoting new national/regional policies and frameworks. The report from the European Semester responds to the experience of LAAE.

One of the main challenges in Lithuania is to improve the system of lifelong learning and raise the importance of adult education in the country. A system for validation of non-formal education would further this endeavour.

The pandemic has greatly affected the financial situation for some of the study associations because of cancelled courses and lack of income from participant fees. This has led to termination of contracts of educators and staff, especially part-time workers. LAAE made a complete move to online learning and established new ways of communication and collaboration. Fortunately, the projects funded by the EU were prolonged and the association could continue their activities.

The focus for the upcoming year will be to enhance cooperation with authorities that promote lifelong learning and to partake in the legislative process of a new non-formal adult education law. Furthermore, LAAE seeks to focus on the creation of a new qualification program for adult educators in andragogy. The organisation recommends that the government should pay more attention to the involvement of vulnerable groups in adult education.